'Phenomenon' planning for Man City move despite transfer uncertainty

Savio has offered a hint of Manchester City's plans for him by asking Brazil teammates about life in England ahead of an expected transfer.

Winger Savio, 20, has been expected to move to City for some time now, but the transfer has been delayed by a number of factors. After impressing for sister-club Girona last season where Savio was on loan from another City Football Group club Troyes - for whom he is their record signing but has never made an appearance.

The relationship between Troyes, Girona and City has increased the scrutiny of the proposed transfer, but the winger is still set to join the Blues for a price that is deemed to be fair market value. His involvement for Brazil at the Copa America has also delayed the deal, with Savio coming off the bench during his nation's 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in their opening game.

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Savio is expected to sign for City before a decision is made over whether he heads out on loan - potentially back to Girona although their involvement in the Champions League may restrict that option. He will be given the chance to impress Pep Guardiola and stay at City for the 2024/25 season.

And it seems he is already preparing for that prospect, with Chelsea defender Andrey Santos revealing conversations with Savio over a possible reunion in the Premier League and life in England.

Speaking on the Fora do Jogo podcast (via Premier League Brasil), Santos said: "One of my best friends in football is Sávio, who played for Atlético-MG. He is a phenomenon, he plays a lot. We joke about this [facing each other for Chelsea and City], because I played against him in the under-20s, in Vasco and Atlético Miniero, he did well.

"I checked in on him, I couldn't miss it. But we already play. I keep telling him that England is very good. He asks me what it’s like there and I tell him that it’s peaceful, that it’s good that he’s going to learn the language too and that he’s going to really like it there.”

Savio would be City's first signing of a quiet summer so far, as the transfer market takes a back seat while the Copa America and European Championships take place. His involvement for makes involvement in City's pre-season squad unlikely as he would require time off before the new season should the transfer be completed.